What is Murphys sign used to test for?

Murphy's sign is a clinical test used specifically to evaluate for acute cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder typically caused by obstruction, often due to gallstones. During the test, the patient is asked to take a deep breath while the clinician palpates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen where the gallbladder is located. If the patient experiences pain and suddenly stops inhaling due to discomfort, this positive response indicates gallbladder tenderness, which supports the diagnosis of gallbladder pathology.

This sign is particularly relevant in the context of gallbladder diseases, especially when differentiating presentations of abdominal pain. While other conditions like appendicitis or kidney stones can present with abdominal pain, Murphy's sign is distinctly associated with gallbladder tenderness and the assessment for cholecystitis. This specificity helps streamline diagnosis and management in a clinical setting.